Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken & Broccoli Recipe

If you’re searching for a quick, hearty, and flavorful meal, this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken & Broccoli recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta tossed in a zesty lemon cowboy butter sauce, this recipe delivers big flavor in just 30 minutes.

this Recipe

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite. The bright lemon notes and savory cowboy butter make it a comforting yet fresh meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules
• Balanced flavors of zesty lemon and rich buttery sauce
• Includes protein and veggies all in one dish
• Simple ingredients you likely have on hand
• Delicious and kid-friendly pasta everyone will enjoy

Ingredients

Gather these fresh and flavorful ingredients to make your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken & Broccoli come to life.

• 8 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 480 per serving

How to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken & Broccoli – Easy 30-Minute Pasta Recipe

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to blanch them. Drain pasta and broccoli together, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne, and cumin. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons butter and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
4. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice, then add cooked chicken, broccoli, and pasta back to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce as needed.
5. Remove from heat and stir in remaining 2 tablespoons butter and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately garnished with fresh parsley and an extra lemon wedge if desired for a bright finish.

Tips for the Best Results

• Don’t overcook the broccoli; it should remain bright green and slightly crisp.
• Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright flavor.
• Slice chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the sauce creamy, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.

This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop. Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture of the pasta and chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works great for holding the sauce and ingredients, penne, rotini, or fusilli would also be excellent choices.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to medium spice level thanks to cayenne pepper. You can easily adjust or omit it to suit your preference.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and omit the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese to keep it dairy-free.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken should be cooked until no longer pink in the center and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Cut a piece to check for doneness if unsure.